Question for our Vancouver Friends...

[Racer X]

Hi - we are planning a anniversary Alaskan cruise for summer 2017. Hoping DCL is still sailing that itinerary. My question, is there any better time over the summer to visit Vancouver where it's not overly crowded? I know its a very popular destination with festivals, etc, we would like to come when it's not so crowded so hotels and attractions would be easier to come by. Are there any "official" website you would like to recommend to learn more about the city?

Thanks in advance for any information!

 

[deanimal]

In British Columbia the public schools go until 30 June 2017 and return to school the Tuesday after Labour Day. This makes July and August a bit busier than June. Public holidays are Canada Day, which is the first of July and usually the weekend around it and BC Day, the first Monday of August. Canada Day will bring some low key festivities downtown, perhaps some closed streets for events. BC Day is basically just a day off. Hotel rates may be a bit higher for the long weekend and attractions may be a bit busier, but traffic will be lighter that day. I think there's a big pride parade that weekend too. There are a lot of festivals and events in the summer, but I can't really think of anything big enough that it would have a huge affect on hotels over the usual summer increases.

I don't really know of any one website that has a good comprehensive list of events and attractions. If anyone else knows a good one I'd love to hear it. As someone who lives nearby I usually use a Lonely Planet or Rough Guide book when planning a day out.

Hope this helps

 

[bumbershoot]

I tend to google a date and "vancouver BC" together.

 

[xlxo]

If you haven't heard.... Vancouver's second name is "no-fun city". With the right imagination, you can avoid that title.

In recent years.... they are trying to change that name by introducing festivals. The key festival dates would be...

• July 1st and the closest weekend for the national holiday festivities.
• the weekend with the first Monday and the week before it. There's a fireworks competition and Pride Festivities.
• the weekend with the first Monday in September. It's a long weekend

Check the stadium and arena calendar for concerts and sports games.

Check the Trade and Convention Center for activities.

Another approach to avoid crowds in Vancouver is to plan your activities mid-week instead of on a weekend.

Personally, I prefer dry weather in my travels... mid-July to mid-August has the driest Vancouver weather.

 

[bcwife76]

The best months to visit are August (AFTER the BC day long weekend) through mid September - this is when you will probably get the best weather which is key to exploring our beautiful city. Plus all the festivals/fireworks will be over by then and summer is winding down.

 

[jtba]

The best months to visit are August (AFTER the BC day long weekend) through mid September - this is when you will probably get the best weather which is key to exploring our beautiful city. Plus all the festivals/fireworks will be over by then and summer is winding down.

DH who grew up in Vancouver agrees with you!

 

[Racer X]

Thanks everyone for all the input, much appreciated

 

[Mrs Green]

@xlxo the video was absolutely hysterical! Thanks for sharing!

 

[xlxo]

Other ideas to avoid the crowds...

• attractions will have less crowds on rainy days
• go to attractions early or late in the day. For example arriving at Capilano Suspension bridge at 9am opening before the tour buses unload or going after 5pm when the tour buses are gone are good strategies. Grouse is harder as you want to be there for the shows between 11am and 5pm.
• consider having a 5pm or 8pm dinner to avoid the crowds. Use the dinner or lunch time for sightseeing.
• how many people are there on a cruise ship? By avoiding Vancouver when multiple cruise ships are docked is another idea.
• The OP plans to come to Vancouver in 2017.... however in late August 2016, there is the American Masters that will fill up some hotels.

 

[katellynne]

That video is GREAT! lol Can I piggyback on this post? We are on the 5/23 cruise this May and are staying for 4 nights after...should we stay in Vancouver and leave from there or fly out of Calgary and see more before we go? This might help the OP if there are enough fun things to do in Vancouver for 4 nights in early June.

 

[xlxo]

With the right imagination.... you can be there for a week or more. A suggested 4+ day itinerary...

• Day 1: Debark... dump luggage in hotel. Check out the Marquee attractions of Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge. Use the free shuttles outside of the cruise terminal.
• Day 2: Hop On service with a focus on Stanley Park and Granville Island
• Day 3: Whistler Day trip... may want to include Sea to Sky attractions like the waterfalls and Sea2Sky gondola.
• Day 4: Victoria Day trip w/ Butchart Gardens. Some may choose to make this a multi-day trip while exploring the islands.
• Day 5: Storybrooke and Vandusen
• Day 6: Rain contingency or catch up on places you want to see more.

The only time I would suggested leaving from Calgary would be those on a one way bus trip through the Rockies.
http://keywesttravelandtours.com/bus-tours/

One other sightseeing tip.... think about food. Vancouver is a mecca for immigrants and many bring their talents to ethnic restaurants. My fav suggestions would be something called "Dim Sum". Kinda like an Asian high tea brunch, it allows you sample various foods at an affordable price.

Does the family like ice cream? Check out Bella's near the cruise terminal.... but on another night.... get a bus or cab to La Casa to check out 218 flavours. You might need a second trip to try other flavours missed!
http://www.marthastewart.com/909325/visiting-la-casa-gelato-and-tasting-flavors#909325

If a multi-night stay in Vancouver hotels is challenging... look at hotels a few blocks away from the cruise terminal for significant savings.

 

[Racer X]

Thanks xlxo!